Many first-year college students worry about making friends as they transition to campus life.
For some, it may be the first time they will be living independently, or living in a big city, says Alexandra Rodman, assistant professor of psychology at Northeastern University.
“It is an exciting time,” she says, “but also nerve-wracking because everything is changing at once.”
New college students leave behind their families and support systems during a critical developmental phase when their brains are still maturing, she says, and they are learning essential life skills.
Taking social risks is part of meeting new people, Rodman says.
“[Worrying] doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” she says. “It just means that it’s probably a little anxiety-provoking.”
Since all first-year students are in the same boat, they can be more forgiving about awkwardness, Rodman says.
“It is socially acceptable to walk down the hall, knock on a random person’s door and say, ‘Hey, my name is so and so, and who are you? Nice to meet you,’” she says.
Feelings of loneliness are universal among first-year students, regardless of background, says Mark Prokosch, associate teaching professor of psychology at Northeastern.
Read more from Northeastern Global News
Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
